HC Deb 03 March 1986 vol 93 c27W
Sir Adam Butler

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount by which the person currently on average earnings has changed his standard of living, measured by the percentage increase in take-home pay over the increase in retail prices, since May 1979.

Mr. Lawson

For a married man on average full-time earnings, income net of income tax and national insurance contributions has increased by 12.8 per cent. in real terms since 1978–79. The corresponding increase for a single person is 13.0 per cent.